The XAOC Devices Lublin Dual VCAX shatters the norm of VCA modules with its innovative features and versatile playability. At a glance, the Lublin is a high-quality dual VCA module, two channels, each with exponential CV inputs. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Each channel, in addition to the standard features, is equipped with a unique ping input, which uses an analogue circuit to model the dynamic behavior of vactrols. The result? A carefully engineered gain response, emulating the natural decay of a guitar pluck or a piano hit, infusing a touch of acoustic warmth within the electronic soundscape.
Unlike lowpass gate modules, Lublin manipulates gain whilst maintaining complete frequency bandwidth, making it an excellent choice for processing harmonically rich signals. It's a creativity playground for musicians, especially if you're using the Odessa additive VCO.
The vactrol-like characteristic isn't fixed either. The built-in switch and potentiometer allow you to modify the envelope response across a wide range. Whether you're crafting the subtle resonance of a bongo, or aiming for the deep punch of a kick drum, Lublin allows a broad tonal exploration within its compact, eurorack-friendly size.
What sets the Lublin Dual VCAX apart is its elegant solution to excessive amplification - a common pitfall in many VCA modules - through its gain control circuit. Instead of saturating the audio signal, which leads to distortion and clipping, Lublin limits the CV, maintaining the clarity and integrity of the original signals, both audio and CV alike.
The XAOC Devices Lublin Dual VCAX, therefore, isn't just another brick in the wall of VCA modules. It's a tool, a facilitator for sonic creativity, and most importantly, an enhancer of the eurorack experience. From shaping the perfect percussion sounds to levelling up your bass kicks, Lublin gives you the freedom to sculpt your sound dynamics, helping you unlock and traverse the realm of dynamic soundscapes. Be it electronic music production, sound design, or simply experimentation with analog circuits, the Lublin Dual VCAX offers an unrivalable versatility and depth within the eurorack ecosystem. Discover it, play with it, and let it redefine your sonic boundaries.
Example Usage
To explore the capabilities of the XAOC Devices Lublin Dual VCAX, let's consider a novice-level example that highlights its versatility. Begin by patching an audio source, such as a harmonically rich signal from an Odessa additive VCO, into the input of one channel of the Lublin. Connect the output of the Lublin to your mixer or audio interface to monitor the sound.
Next, engage the ping input by assigning a simple trigger signal from a MIDI-to-CV converter or an envelope generator. This sets the stage for the Lublin's unique vactrol-like response, enabling you to evoke the nuances of plucked or struck sounds. Experiment with the ping response switch, cycling through the natural, shortened, and prolonged settings to observe how the perceived tonal characteristics shift.
Incorporate the decay control potentiometer to adjust how quickly the gain falls off after the initial ping. Start with a natural response for a soft plucked string effect and slowly adjust towards a shortened response to create a snappier sound, potentially resembling a bongo. For an entirely different texture, switch to the prolonged response setting and use the gain control to enhance the depth, crafting a layered kick drum sound that offers cutting power without losing fullness.
Finally, explore the sensitivity of the exponential CV inputs by applying a slow LFO to one. Notice how the Lublin responds dynamically to modulation, opening up a range of expressiveness in your sound design. This foundational exercise illustrates just a glimpse of the possibilities with the Lublin, empowering you to create intricate soundscapes and dynamic textures with ease.
The XAOC Devices Lublin Dual VCAX stands out due to its ability to transform plain audio signals into dynamic soundscapes. For an intermediate user looking to exploit the full potential of this module, a practical approach involves leveraging both its ping inputs and the variety of response characteristics.
Begin by patching your primary sound source, such as the Odessa additive VCO, into one of the audio inputs on the Lublin. With its rich harmonic content, this will allow you to fully appreciate the module’s capabilities. Next, connect a control voltage source to the exponential CV input. This can be a sequencer or an LFO, depending on whether you're aiming for rhythm or evolving textures.
Now, utilize the ping input. Connect a trigger source, such as a drum machine or an envelope generator, to this input. Experiment by toggling through the three variants of ping response offered by the Lublin. Each will impart a distinctly different decay characteristic to your sound. The natural response will give you the lush, organic feel akin to plucked strings, while the shortened response can create abrupt, percussive sounds that excite the ear.
Another creative tactic is to use the internal gain control, which avoids distortion and ensures the integrity of your sound remains intact. Adjust this while experimenting with the sensitivity controls on the exponential CV input. This dual-approach allows you to sculpt how your signal reacts not just to the volume of the incoming CV but also to the intricacies of the triggered envelopes.
Incorporate modulation by routing additional CV sources to the gain control. This added layer will dynamically influence the amplitude and the ping response, allowing for expressive performances. By combining all these elements, the Lublin becomes not just a utility module but a central piece in designing complex, evolving textures and rhythms.
Remember, taking the time to explore the interplay between the various control inputs and the Lublin's built-in features will unlock a vast creative potential, transforming your patches into rich, nuanced performances.
Further Thoughts
The XAOC Devices Lublin Dual VCAX is an exceptional module that offers an expansive palette of playability equivalent to the dynamic interaction found in acoustic instruments. To illustrate the rich capabilities of the Lublin, let’s explore an advanced usage scenario that demonstrates its versatility in creating lush soundscapes.
Begin by patching the Odessa additive VCO into one of the audio inputs of the Lublin. This VCO's complex harmonic structure benefits from the VCA's unique ability to preserve full frequency bandwidth while controlling gain. Use a CV source, perhaps an LFO or sequencer, to modulate the exponential CV input. This will apply dynamic variations to the signal's amplitude over time, allowing for evolving textures and rhythmic presence in the mix.
Next, engage the ping input to introduce a percussive quality to the audio. The vactrol-like behavior comes into play, emulating the gentle decay of an acoustic strike. You can toggle between the three response settings: natural, shortened, and prolonged. Start with the natural response for a smooth, organic decay that complements the Odessa's sound. Then, experiment with the shortened response to create sharp, staccato notes that mimic electronic percussions or even plucked string sounds.
Rotate the potentiometer for the gain control to explore different saturation levels. The built-in gain limiting circuit protects your signal from harsh clipping, enabling you to crank the gain higher without losing quality. Adjusting this parameter can transform your sound; slightly saturating the signal can add a warmth and character akin to analog gear, while more aggressive settings push the boundaries into a rich, punchy percussive realm.
To expand the sound even further, patch another oscillator into the second channel of the Lublin. This will allow you to layer sounds, creating a dense soundscape. Use modulation to establish cross-talk between the two channels, where one acts as the primary voice while the other provides harmonics or rhythmic support. This technique can yield intricate patterns, as the characteristics of both oscillators interplay through the Lublin's versatile design.
Finally, consider incorporating external effects and processing post-Lublin. The clean signal path of the module allows for seamless integration with reverb or delay pedals, further evolving the dynamic sonic palette. This method not only highlights the strength of the Lublin in crafting engaging soundscapes but also demonstrates how it integrates fluently into a larger modular ecosystem.
In summary, the XAOC Devices Lublin Dual VCAX stands out with its sophisticated response and dynamic capabilities. By utilizing its features creatively, you can unlock rich, complex soundscapes that resonate and evolve, breathing life into your electronic compositions. With its unique vactrol-like characteristics and robust gain control, the Lublin proves to be an indispensable tool for both nuanced sound design and percussion synthesis.